Bradley Haas Identified as Victim in Deadly Shooting at New Hampshire Psychiatric Hospital

Accident – Death – Obituary News : It is a somber and subdued atmosphere on Saturday morning at the New Hampshire psychiatric hospital where a tragic shooting took place the previous day. The hospital, which saw a security guard lose his life at the hands of a gunman who was subsequently killed by a state trooper, has resumed taking in patients. However, the building remains closed to visitors, with police tape still cordoning off the area.

The victim, identified as 63-year-old Bradley Haas, was a dedicated security officer from the Department of Safety who was stationed at the hospital’s front lobby entrance. After being shot, he was immediately transported to Concord Hospital, where despite efforts to revive him through CPR, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. As investigations into the incident continue, officials are yet to establish any connection between Haas and the shooter. Autopsy results, expected to be released on Saturday, may shed light on the motive behind this senseless act of violence.

The timeline of events leading up to the shooting began at 3:38 p.m. on Friday when the New Hampshire State Police dispatch received a distress call regarding an active shooter at the New Hampshire State Hospital in Concord. State Police Col. Mark Hall revealed during a press conference that upon entering the hospital’s lobby, the suspect opened fire, targeting Haas. Fortunately, a state trooper who was in close proximity to the incident swiftly engaged the gunman and succeeded in neutralizing the threat. The entire incident was contained within the hospital’s lobby, and the trooper emerged unscathed.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Concord police, Concord fire and EMS, State Office Complex police, and the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department. The New Hampshire attorney general’s office stated that the identity of the shooter is being withheld pending further investigation. Additionally, a suspicious vehicle near the scene was examined by the state police Bomb Squad, but it was ultimately determined to pose no safety risk.

As authorities delve deeper into the motives behind this tragic incident, it remains unclear what compelled the shooter to perpetrate such an act of violence. Col. Hall emphasized that the investigation will provide answers to these questions. Details regarding the type of weapon used by the gunman and the number of shots fired are also yet to be disclosed.

Bradley Haas, the fallen security officer, leaves behind a grieving family and a legacy of service. Haas, a father and a law enforcement veteran, had previously served as the chief of the Franklin Police Department. He dedicated 28 years to his hometown department, starting as a patrol officer after serving in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. The attorney general’s office has requested privacy for Haas’ family during this difficult time. An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Concord on Saturday.

New Hampshire Hospital, the state’s only psychiatric hospital for adults, has a capacity of approximately 185 beds. Situated in the capital city of Concord, the hospital is surrounded by various state agencies, a district courthouse, and Concord High School. Lori Weaver, commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services, expressed shock and sadness over the incident. She assured the public that all patients and staff are safe and that support teams are in place to provide assistance as needed. While visitors are still prohibited from entering the hospital, it is fully operational in serving its patients. Families will be notified as soon as visitation can resume.

Law enforcement will maintain a presence at the hospital for several hours as the investigation unfolds, but there is no ongoing threat to the public, patients, or staff. The public is urged to avoid the state office complex to facilitate the work of investigators. Col. Hall emphasized that the situation is fluid and that it may take days for the investigation to reach any conclusive findings.

Governor Chris Sununu expressed his condolences to the family of Bradley Haas, praising his heroism and decades of public service. The governor assured the public that the state swiftly mobilized and that first responders and law enforcement were promptly on the scene. Members of the state’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, and U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, also released statements expressing their support and condolences for the victims and their families.

For concerned family members seeking information about their loved ones at New Hampshire Hospital, a call center has been established by the Department of Health and Human Services. The call center, reachable at 603-271-3004, will remain open until further notice.

As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated security officer and awaits answers regarding the motives behind this senseless act of violence..